The WGC-Bridgestone Invitational tees it up at Firestone Country’s Club South Course this week in Akron, Ohio. This year the event not only has a different date, but a different feel as well.

There are several European Tour players that are qualified to play in the WGC but are skipping it to play in the Open de France. Why? Simple acutally. The Open de France is a big Ryder Cup point event on the European Tour. 2016 is a Ryder Cup year so there are players that need the points to secure their spot on the Ryder Cup team for the Euros. It is that simple.

The conflict exists due to the Rio Olympics. Golf is an Olympic sport for the first time since 1904. The timing of the Olympic Games in Brazil has caused the PGA Tour to change its schedule. The WGC-Bridgestone had to be moved from its usual spot in August. This means that only 61 of the 76 eligible players will be competing at Firestone this week.

GolfMonger Picks:

Jason Day – Once again, if the World No.1 player is in the field we are going to pick him. There really isn’t anything more to say than that.

Jim Furyk – The 2nd all-time money earner at this event (Tiger Woods is No.1). The amazing thing is that Furyk has never won the event. He does have nine Top 10s though. That is good enough for us. We fully expect No. 10 after this week is over.

Jordan Spieth – He hasn’t played well the last two tournaments. So that means he is due for a good one right?? A limited field with no cut could be just what Jordan needs to get his game in focus to win.

Wild Card Pick:

A small field makes for a tough time picking a wild card. We will go with Rickie Fowler. He has not done anything to speak of in 2016 (except disappoint us again and again). This could be the week that he breaks out. Started well at Congressional with opening rounds of 68-68 but then fizzled out over the weekend. We need Rickie to do well this summer. The WGC-Bridgestone can be his launching pad.

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